Apparatus for inserting wick drains into the earth

ABSTRACT

The apparatus comprises a mast (14) having a hollow longitudinally extending chamber therein, and an insertion tube disposed in the chamber for movement therein, the insertion tube being provided with a projecting flange (32) that extends outwardly from the chamber through a longitudinal slot therein and that includes openings (34) located at spaced intervals along the longitudinal extent of the flange. A drive gear (36), operated by a motor, is mounted near the bottom of the mast so that the teeth (36&#39;) of the drive gear can positively engage the openings in the insertion tube flange and positively drive the insertion tube into and out of the earth. A pair of spaced support rollers (44) are positioned behind the insertion tube flange at its point of contact with the drive gear to support the flange and also permit any foreign matter ejected from the flange openings by the gear teeth to fall to the earth. &lt;IMAGE&gt;



